Makeup Moula: Time for a new face?

by San Diego on the Cheap Publisher/Editor, Sheri McGregor

With each new season, makeup companies put out new color palettes. Exotic, larger-than-life faces beam from cosmetic department posters. Magazines tell us what’s in with celebrities, and give the low down on “must-have” new colors and styles. But wait! Before you’re sucked into believing you need to makeover your makeup bag, consider your history, your budget, and your real life rather than the fantasy you’re being sold. Then make sensible choices to save moula on makeup.

Makeup Routine
Most women eventually settle into a makeup routine, a few products that work for them, and give up the rest. Most of us also have a drawer full of expensive failures. If you’ve discovered a few products that work, why try more? Likely, you’re falling into the trap of believing your makeup has to change with the times. Does it really? Sure, white lipstick might date you, but for the most part, subtle makeup techniques and colors that enhance your natural features are timeless. Why change? Don’t keep filling the drawer with unused makeup. Learn from your lessons, and stick with what works. Bucking trends may save money, too. Stores often clearance your tried and true to make more shelf room for the latest and greatest.

Right of Return
Most stores allow makeup returns but how many of us really take cosmetics back? We feel guilty, or silly for making a poor choice. While we don’t want to pack the landfills with unused makeup, sometimes we make a mistake. In that case, take advantage of stores’ return policies. Bottom line: the store made the rules, you didn’t. Exercise your right of return. It’s a smart choice for your budget.

Second Opinion
Bring a friend you trust to tell the truth. You may be dead set on the newest makeup fad but a trusted friend can set you straight: “You’re pale as a corpse against that blood red,” or “Sure . . . if you want your lips to look like gummy worms.”

Another good reason to bring a buddy is to take advantage of sales. Discount drugstores routinely have buy one get one half off sales. You each get a product then split the discounted cost rather than buy an extra (and spend more).

Make a Friend
Do your favorite cosmetic companies have a Facebook page? “Like” them to learn about discounts, coupons, and special offers. Company websites may also have coupons. Consider following makeup blogging sites as well. Bloggers sometimes have insider information about deals before the general public. Blogs may have giveaways for free products, too.

Accept Yourself
The more makeup you wear, the more you’ll need to buy. That means the more you spend. Breaking the foundation, mascara, blush or lipstick habit can be liberating. Try going without some or all of your makeup for a few days and see what happens. You may discover that curling your eyelashes makes them stand out enough, and an eyelash curler lasts. Do you really need foundation? Many of us are brainwashed into thinking our skin must be “flawless.” A sprinkling of freckles you’ve been trying to hide may really be part of your charm. Sometimes our so-called flaws are what make us unique and beautiful.

The more we accept ourselves, flaws and all, the more forgiving we may become of others. Who knew cutting down on makeup could make a more peaceful and loving world?

Is it time for a new face? Try looking at yourself with liberated eyes. Rather than focusing on what you don’t like, play up what you do. You may find that the new face you thought you needed is the real you.

San Diego on the Cheap is an affiliate partner to some sites listed here. They show gratitude for my referrals in the form a small fee. This allows San Diego on the Cheap to keep bringing you the deals!

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